Your line-up for next year

[Andy \'06]

Please post your line-up for next year...

[Jordan 04]

Sorry, but I don't usually plan that far out.

Ask me around October or November though and I'll be glad to let you know what I've got planned.

[calgARI '07]

Moulson-Bitz-Scott
Barlow-Pegoraro-Hynes
Abbott-Abbott-Sawada
Kindret/Mugford-Kennedy-Carefoot

O-Byrne-Seminoff
Gleed-Pokuluk
Glover-Krantz


Kindret and Mugford are both similar players and they will probably both be battling for the 12th forward spot.  I tend to think that Kindret has higher offensive upside but Mugford is the better overall player at this point with greater experience.  Barlow and Scott can both play center as well as the wing so if Kennedy isn't ready I would imagine one of them will move over, more likely Scott.  Obviously there are some question marks on the blueline.  Davenport will get his chance but I really like Glover and generally think that he is very solid and steady.  

[Harrier]

Scott first line wing?  Powerplay yes, but no way replacing Hynes on the first line.  Didn't you also say all year that Bitz could not play center?  Until somebody can stop the current first line they will stay together.  Hynes also protects and creates space for Moulson, put Scott out there and Moulson takes tons of abuse he does not get with Hynes on the wing.

[mjh89]

Scott and Pegoraro are small players and a physical presence needs to be on the line with them. Barlow will certainly not be a physical presence because he is tiny, and Hynes could fill that role.

[BCrespi]

I agree that it's nice to see that dominant first line, but it's been pretty clear to me that coach likes a balanced team. Anyway, tough to argue about now.  We shall see. Let's Go Red.

[calgARI '07]

[Q]Harrier Wrote:

 Scott first line wing?  Powerplay yes, but no way replacing Hynes on the first line.  Didn't you also say all year that Bitz could not play center?  Until somebody can stop the current first line they will stay together.  Hynes also protects and creates space for Moulson, put Scott out there and Moulson takes tons of abuse he does not get with Hynes on the wing.[/q]

Well Scott played almost the entire second half of the season on the wing and actually did quite well.  Some how he manages to win most of his battles along the boards and in the corners.  I still don't think much of Bitz at center primarily because he is weak defensively and doesn't have the best hockey sense but I've pretty much accepted the fact that Schafer will have him there due to the the need to have size down the middle and Bitz certainly fills that (while Pegoraro and Chris Abbott are the two centers with the most responsibility, they are both 6'0 or under) .  Although it is probably likely that Hynes will stay on the top line, I think it would be best to take him off that line.  He is an outstanding player who brings a certain edge to the game, but honestly I think he has a lot more in him than he has done so far in his career.  I am expecting a HUGE season from him next year and I think putting him a role with more primary offensive responsibility would be the best decision in maximizing his abilities.  Putting him with two high skill guys that will be able generate more chances in tight and off the rush than Bitz and Moulson will be more conducive to his style of play.  As well I am personally a big advocate of scoring depth and putting freshmen in roles where they are playing with experience.  I think Bitz and Scott are both good puck feeders and are adept at finding the open man (more so than Hynes who plays a totally different style) who will obviously be Moulson 5-on-5.
Also, I didn't mention this is my original post but a I think a HUGE x-factor is incoming freshman Matt Connors.  I would not be at all surprised to see him end up on the right side of the top line with Bitz or Scott at center and really flourish in that role.  He has good size and skates very well and could add a new dimension to Moulson's offensive presence.  Of course Connors struggled a bit this year (mostly due to injuries) and did not put up the kind of numbers that indiciate he will be an offensive presence at the college level.  But again, the injuries hampered him and the numbers he put up in Junior B the year before were absolutely unbelievable.  Additionally, NHL scouting reports I have read about him forecast him as a potential big time offensive force.  He really could end up anywhere from the top line to the press box.

[KeithK]

If anyone else posts a lineup I'd suggest specifying whether your posting predictions (what you think Schafer will do) or "suggestions" (what you think the lines should be) if there's a difference.  Ari seems to have posted a suggestion - see his comment about Hynes probably ending up on the top line.  Not having seen the team enough times last year and not having a good enough feel for the recruits I'll refrain from both.

[calgARI '07]

[Q]KeithK Wrote:

 If anyone else posts a lineup I'd suggest specifying whether your posting predictions (what you think Schafer will do) or "suggestions" (what you think the lines should be) if there's a difference.  Ari seems to have posted a suggestion - see his comment about Hynes probably ending up on the top line.  Not having seen the team enough times last year and not having a good enough feel for the recruits I'll refrain from both.
[/q]

Good point.  Although that is definitely my suggested lineup, I wouldn't rule it out as at least as partially what happens.  But another thing I'm not sure will change is Cam Abbott staying with Pegoraro.  Schafer likes Cam in more of an offensive role and Chris in more of a checking one.

[Dpperk29]

I remember Cam, Chris, and Topher playing together a few times last season, and they were really good together, lots of offense, big time lack of hieght...

[Andy \'06]

Who do you think will be replacing Cook on the first powerplay unit?

[calgARI '07]

[Q]Andy '06 Wrote:

 Who do you think will be replacing Cook on the first powerplay unit?[/q]

I think it should be Krantz although I could see Schafer wanting to keep Krantz and Pokuluk on separate units because they have the shooting side.  Krantz sees the ice incredibly well and has the hardest shot on the team but needs to work on his decision-making with and without the puck (which will probably come with experience).  

[mjh89]

Salmela saw some time on the PP when Pokulok was out right?

[Andy \'06]

I can see Pokulok quarter-backing the PP

[Trotsky]

Having two strong offensive blueliners to backstop the 1 and 2 units is a good situation, especially since the CU offense is so dependent on ppg.

Perhaps Schafer will try a 3F-2D pp sometimes.  There are advantages -- it doesn't disrupt normal lines and it's bullet-proof against D lapses -- but it's only worthwhile with enough O from both defensemen.